Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are benign (noncancerous) growths that develop from the muscle layer of the uterus/womb. They are the most common type of growth found in the pelvis of a person with a uterus. Fibroids can vary in size or stay the same size over time. 

There are significant racial disparities in disease prevalence, incidence, age of onset, and treatment profile. Fibroids are 2-3 times more common in Black people than White people, and are one of the leading causes of morbidity amongst reproductive aged people. Michigan recognizes these disparate outcomes and is committed to increasing education and awareness, as well as sharing stories of Michiganders who experience fibroids.

Health Equity and Uterine Fibroids: Where Do We Go from Here? 
Featuring Dr. Erica Marsh, MD, MSCI, FACOG and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, BA, JD, the keynote speech Health Equity and Uterine Fibroids was a part of the 2023 Maternal Infant Health Summit. 

Dr. Marsh is the S. Jan Behrman Collegiate Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the Department of OBGYN. She also holds an appointment in the Department of Women’s Studies. Dr. Marsh is the Founder and Director of the Women’s Health and Reproductive Disparities Collaborative (onWHARD). She has published significantly in the areas of fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility.